Despite notching 12 hits, the Detroit Tigers were defeated 2-1 by the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night. With all of those hits being spread out over nine innings, the Tigers somehow managed to score just one run despite their numerous opportunities.
Jeremy Guthrie was excellent for the Royals once again, giving up just one run over 7.1 innings despite allowing ten hits. The Tigers never drew a walk against the right-hander and Prince Fielder's double was the team's lone extra-base hit of the night, preventing the team from taking advantage of its many one-base knocks.
Rick Porcello pitched fairly well for the Tigers, allowing two runs on eight hits over five innings, but he was never in a position for the win. The Detroit bullpen was lights out, though, combining to allow one hit and one walk over three shutout innings.
After losing 9-8 to the Royals in the series opener on Tuesday, the Tigers managed to score just one run over the final 18 innings of the series. Luckily, the Chicago White Sox also lost on Thursday, so Detroit continues to trail by three games in the AL Central standings.
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